Adapting HCI techniques for the design and evaluation of canine training technologies

Abstract

Animal Computer Interaction (ACI) is a growing field of research for which the adaptation of tried and tested Human Computer Interaction (HCI) methods is of high interest to ACI developers and researchers. In this paper, we consider ACI practices in the context of developing and evaluating technologies to support repetitive assistance canine training, in which the animal in placed at the centre of the design process. We discuss issues and propose ways to adapt traditional HCI methods to meet the needs of canine training, and in particular the extended role of domain experts to achieve this.